Scarlet Elfcaps (3 images)
Sarcoscypha coccinea, commonly known as the scarlet elf cup, scarlet elf cap, or the scarlet cup, is a species of fungus in the family Sarcoscyphaceae of the order Pezizales. The fungus, widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, has been found in Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia.
I’ve never seen anything like it here in Victoria, Australia, Mike, but then I don’t live or visit areas of woodland very much at all. With that colouring, you could hardly miss it.
Yes, it is easily seen, Vicki.
We have cup mushrooms here in Illinois, but they are not scarlet.
These are usually quite small, but they really stand out amongst the dried leaves and twigs in a wood, Tom. This is about the time when elves gather them for their distinctive headgear.